News ~ February 2004

Changes to Classic Saturday
On Saturday, February 28th, Eddie Stubbs announced that his radio show Classic Saturday will no longer be aired over 650 WSM-AM. Beginning March 6th, Bill Cody's Classic Country Weekend will air beginning at 6:00 A.M. each Saturday morning on the station. However, if you listen to WSM via WSMOnline.com or Sirius Satellite Radio, you can still listen to Eddie's show. Although Stubbs had quit playing music from the 1920's and 1930's on the show several months ago, on the new online/satellite show, he will play music from the 1920's through the 1970's. To access WSM online, click here. If you are considering purchasing Sirius Satellite Radio, click here. 2/29/04

Yates to Release New CD
With the overwhelming response of his last two independent CD's, Billy Yates has decided to release a third CD on his own M.O.D. Record Label. Yates plans to release the yet-untitled package this spring. In related news, Billy will be performing during CRS with his band, Long Neck Jones, on Thursday, March 4th at the Trap. The show will start at 7:40 P.M. He will also have a booth at this year's CMA Music Festival, formerly known as Fan Fair. He will spend the rest of the summer touring, primarily in Europe and the U.K. 2/28/04

Stone Signs with Lofton Creek
Doug Stone, the singer behind "I'd Be Better Off (In a Pine Box)," has signed a recording contract with Lofton Creek. Stone will be in the studio in May to record his first session for the label. 2/27/04

Cantrell Returns to Nashville Airwaves
Former WSM-AM radio personality Kyle Cantrell has spent the past year recording his syndicated Classic Country Gold weekend show as well as his daily shows for Sirius Satellite Radio. On February 8th, Cantrell began his first live radio broadcast in a year when he debuted his new show, Legendary Sunday Mornings, on WKDF 103.3 in Nashville. The show airs on the station between 7-9 A.M. each Sunday. If you can tune in, get up early and catch his syndicated show on the same station at 6 A.M. Sundays. 2/27/04

Mandrell Volunteers
Barbara Mandrell is helping out at the Williamson County animal control shelter after a raid on a Franklin dog breeder's place brought in 250 Maltese dogs, nearly 100 of them perhaps pregnant. Barbara, an animal lover, decided to help out and went Thursday, February 26, 2004, for volunteer training. She intends to spend hours at the shelter each week until the situation regarding the dogs is resolved. 2/27/04

"GMA" Postpones Nashville Broadcast
According to the Tennessean, "Good Morning America" has postponed its visit to Nashville. Portions of the ABC morning show were supposed to be broadcast from Nashville next week, but because of the likelihood of breaking news regarding the Martha Stewart trial and news surrounding the upcoming presidential election, the show decided to postpone the broadcast until April. Artists that were scheduled to appear included Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols, and Josh Turner. 2/26/04

Parton Honored with Literacy Award
Dolly Parton will be honored with NashvilleREAD's second annual Reading Works Award on Monday, March 1st. The award will be presented at Vanderbilt University in Music City. In 1995, Parton launched Imagination Library, which provides a book to each child in Sevier County, Tennessee, each month until the child reaches the age of 5. 2/26/04

Bowes Has Foot Amputated
According to Eddie Stubbs, Margie Bowes had to have her foot amputated on Wednesday, February 25th, but is expected to be moving around again in roughly eight weeks. Bowes was in a car accident in 1995 that injured her foot so badly that she had to have more than ten surgeries on it. Ms. Bowes scored five top forty singles on the Billboard country chart from 1959 through 1964 including her biggest hit, "Poor Old Heartsick Me." She was once married to Doyle Wilburn of the Wilburn Brothers. 2/26/04

Opry® to Host GMA
The Grand Ole Opry® will host ABC's "Good Morning America" next week when the show visits Nashville. Segments will originate live from the Grand Ole Opry® House on the morning of March 2nd. Artists participating in the broadcast include Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols, and Josh Turner. "Good Morning America"'s visit marks the 30th anniversary of the Opry®'s move from the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville to the Grand Ole Opry® House in Music Valley. The Opry®, which has been broadcast from the Ryman for the past four months, will return to the Opry® House on March 5th. 2/25/04

Flameworthy Voting Begins
Voting has begun for the 2004 CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards. The artists nominated include Dierks Bentley, the Del McCoury Band, Alan Jackson, Buddy Jewell, Alison Krauss and James Taylor, Patty Loveless, Joe Nichols, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Marty Stuart and Merle Haggard, and Josh Turner. To vote, click here. 2/25/04

Gill's Basketball Game Makes a Comeback
The Vince Gill Celebrity Basketball Game & Concert has not been held since 2000, but it will make a comeback this year on March 22nd at Belmont University in Nashville. The game will include artists Dierks Bentley, Ray Benson, and, of course, Gill himself. Tickets are currently on sale. Proceeds from the game go to fund a number of scholarships at Belmont University. 2/24/04

Turner to "Good Morning America"
Josh Turner will appear on ABC's "Good Morning America" next week when the show visits Nashville. Josh will be interviewed by show co-host Diane Sawyer and will take part in a multi-artist jam session. Check our VCR alerts page next week for air date and time. 2/24/04

Jewell in TV Guide
"Nashville Star" winner Buddy Jewell will be featured in the March 6th issue of TV Guide. The magazine is doing an article on Buddy and his successful career since he won the talent show last year. In related news, Jewell will be appearing at the premiere of "Nashville Star 2" in March. There, he will be presented with the gold plaque for his self-titled debut CD. Joe Nichols and Willie Nelson will also appear on later episodes of "Nashville Star 2." 2/24/04

Skaggs Inducted into Kentucky Hall
Ricky Skaggs was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame on Friday, February 20, 2004. Other 2004 inductees included J.D. Crowe, the Coon Creek Girls, and Howard and Vestal Goodman. These inductees join a roster of legends that includes Red Foley, Tom T. Hall, Grandpa Jones, Bradley Kincaid, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, and Merle Travis. For more information on the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, click here. 2/23/04

Alabama to Record Gospel Album
CMT.com reports that Alabama will soon record a gospel album. Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Louvin told CMT that the band wants to record several Louvin Brothers songs for the record. Alabama's publicist confirms that the band is recording a gospel record, but would give no other details. The band has no record label signed on for the project. 2/23/04

Montana's Husband Dies
Patsy Montana's husband, Paul Edward Rose, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at his home in Florence, Alabama. Rose and Montana were married for nearly 62 years. Montana, the country music legend behind the hit "I Want To Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart," passed away in May of 1996. Rose would have celebrated his 91st birthday on Wednesday, February 25th. 2/23/04

More Strait Shows Rescheduled
As we reported last week, George Strait had to cancel a show in Greensboro, North Carolina on Saturday, February 14th. Strait continues to fight a throat virus and has since been forced to cancel more shows including stops in Detroit, Milwaukee, and Columbus. For more information, visit George's web site. 2/23/04

"Train" Wins Award
Josh Turner has received the Broadcast Data Systems (BDS) award for racking up 50,000 spins of his current single, "Long Black Train." The song, released as a single in May 2003, is still climbing several country singles charts. 2/23/04

Redd Stewart to Traditional Country Hall of Fame
Redd Stewart is the newest inductee into the Traditional Country Hall of Fame. The formal induction will include a jam session and a festival. Stewart's son Billy and daughter-in-law Sharon will accept the honors. The festival will be held at the Olive Branch City Park in Olive Branch, Mississippi, on Saturday, September 18, 2004, beginning at 10:00 A.M. To visit the new Redd Stewart web site, click here. 2/20/04

IFCO Announces Details on Annual Show
The International Fan Club Organization (IFCO) has announced one of the headliners for its annual show: Tracy Byrd. For the past few years, the IFCO show, in its 37th year, has become known as the kick-off to Fan Fair, now known as the Country Music Association (CMA) Music Fest. Country music historian and critic Robert K. Oermann will host the event, which will be held on Tuesday, June 8th at 7:30 P.M. at the Ryman Auditorium. For more details, click here. 2/19/04

Paisley to Country Music Marathon
Brad Paisley will soon become the first artist to run in Nashville's Country Music Marathon and to perform at it on the same day. The event will be held April 24th in Nashville. People who do not wish to run in the marathon but who would like to purchase tickets to Paisley's concert can do so; tickets go on sale Saturday, March 12th. Each year, this marathon attracts 15,000 runners and 100,000 spectators. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 2/19/04

CMA Awards Set
The 2004 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards will be held Tuesday, November 9th. While the CMA has talked of moving the awards ceremony to a venue in New York, this year's show will still be held in Nashville. No replacement for regular host Vince Gill has been announced. 2/19/04

Locklin Hired by the CMA
Hank Adam Locklin, the son of country legend Hank Locklin, has been hired by the Country Music Association (CMA). Locklin is now the Senior Manager of Membership and Industry Relations. In the past, he has worked with his famous father and with Bluewater Music and Loretta Lynn Enterprises. He began working with the CMA on Tuesday, February 17th. 2/18/04

Gilley in Hospital
Mickey Gilley has been admitted to Bayshore Medical Center in Pasadena, Texas. No official reason has been disclosed, but several sources report that Gilley was hospitalized Tuesday night after he developed complications from a minor procedure he had on Tuesday. Gilley, 67, was also hospitalized in July 2003 after his appendix ruptured. 2/18/04

Little Jimmy Recovering
Grand Ole Opry® star and Country Music Hall of Fame member Little Jimmy Dickens is recovering after undergoing a procedure whereby a stent was placed to get rid of excess blockage. The 84-year-old entertainer is currently in the Cleveland Clinic, but hopes to return to the Opry® soon. Unfortunately, he will have to return to the clinic again for another similar procedure. Get well cards may be sent to Dickens at the Grand Ole Opry®, 2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37204. 2/18/04

Strait Sidelined
George Strait had to cancel a concert in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday night, February 14th. Turns out that George is fighting a sore throat. Strait will make up the show on Sunday, February 22nd. 2/17/04

Jewell's CD Goes Gold
Buddy Jewell's debut CD has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of over 500,000 units. The CD was released July 1st last year. Along with Josh Turner, Jewell, a fan favorite, was one of the top-selling new country artists in 2003. 2/16/04

City Lights Festival
Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson will again host and headline this year's City Lights Festival in Commerce, Georgia. The event will take place June 17-18, 2004, and is named for the Ray Price classic "City Lights." Anderson wrote the tune while he was a disc jockey in Commerce. Darryl Worley, Mel Tillis, Jack Greene, and Jan Howard will also perform at this year's festival. 2/16/04

Tidbits
Audium Records will release a new Dwight Yoakam CD, tentatively titled Used Records in late May...Ed Bruce recently sang at the memorial for Gene Hughes, a record promoter. Bruce sang "Amazing Grace" and "Wind Beneath My Wings"...Great American Country (GAC) is giving away a guitar every day during the month of March. Each guitar will be autographed by a country artist. For more details or to enter the contest, click here. 2/16/04

BR549 Gear Stolen
Several instruments belonging to the members of group BR549 were stolen on Saturday night including Don Herron's 1952 Fender custom triple-neck steel guitar, Shaw Wilson's 1949 Gretsch Broadcaster Drum Kit, and Geoff Firebaugh's four-string Danelectro Rumor Bass. The instruments were in a trailer parked by Chuck Mead's east Nashville home. Any details? Call Nashville police. 2/14/04

Skaggs Speaks Out
Ricky Skaggs has spoken out about RCA executive Joe Galante's recent comments about the Grammys. Galante said in a recent Billboard article that he thinks that the Grammys ignore mainstream country stars. According to the Tennessean, Skaggs called the comment "disappointing" and noted, "''Shame on whomever thinks artists like myself, Ray Benson, Lyle Lovett, and June Carter Cash — all recent GRAMMY nominees who received virtually no major country radio or video airplay — 'misrepresent what is popular' in country music. 'Thank goodness that the Grammy remains the one award that the Music Row execs and major Country radio programmers can't always control — and thanks to the many NARAS members who continually vote for music based on the excellence of the recording, instead of what's getting airplay and chart position.'' Skaggs received an award at the Grammys last week for his bluegrass hit "A Simple Life." 2/14/04

Sonny Returns
Sonny Osborne, one-half of the Osborne Brothers, returned to the Grand Ole Opry® stage on Friday, February 13th. Osborne had been noticeably absent from the duo in recent weeks after having surgery in December. Because his surgery was on his shoulder, Sonny cannot yet resume playing banjo with the duo, but hopes to be playing again soon. 2/13/04

Former Opry® Steel Player Dies
Katz Kobayasi, a former Grand Ole Opry® steel player, has passed away. Kobayasi died at his Panama City Beach, Florida, home on February 8th of complications from a stroke. In addition to playing at the Opry®, the steel guitarist played for Marty Robbins, Bill Anderson, Johnny Russell, Jeanne Pruett, and Alan Jackson. He was 60. 2/13/04

Songwriter Indicted for Threats Against George Strait
An aspiring Louisiana songwriter has been indicted by a federal grand jury on extortion charges. Walter J. Bonin, Jr., had been contacting Strait, his manager, and his fan club president for a number of years in vain attempts to convince Strait to record one of his songs. In a letter from mid-2003, Bonin threatened "to go Rambo" on Strait if he did not record one of his songs. If he is convicted, Bonin could face up to 25 years in prison and a hefty fine. 2/12/04

Singletary in Confrontation
Daryle Singletary's 2003 Dodge truck was legally parked on Demonbreun Street in Nashville early Sunday, February 8th when a tow truck driver began hooking it up. According to the Tennessean, Daryle went to enter his truck, and the tow truck driver began punching Singletary in the head and upper body. Police arrested the driver, who admitted that he had made a mistake. He was charged with assault and attempted theft. In an interesting twist, the tow truck driver, Timmy Garrett, now claims that Daryle had had a confrontation with another driver and that he (Garrett) never struck Daryle. Garrett also claims that Singletary said, "I'm going to shoot somebody" before reaching into his truck. Officers did find a handgun in Daryle's truck. Since the singer does not have a permit to carry the gun, he was issued a state citation. 2/12/04

Krauss & Union Station to Flameworthy Awards
CMT has announced that Alison Krauss + Union Station will perform on the 2004 Flameworthy Video Music Awards. The show, which will be hosted by Dolly Parton, will air on April 21st from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville. Tickets for the show will go on sale March 6th. 2/12/04

Lawrence to Host Sizzlin' Country
Tracy Lawrence will host the 10th Annual Sizzlin' Country show on Tuesday, May 25th, at the House of Blues in Las Vegas. Sizzlin' Country is a benefit show for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Lawrence was the first artist to commit to the benefit when it debuted ten years ago. At this year's show, BMI chief executive officer Frances W. Preston will receive the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's "Heart of Country" award, which is bestowed upon someone in the music industry who has given time and energy to the cause. To learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, click here. 2/12/04

Turner's Sales Up
According to Great American Country, Josh Turner, whose debut CD Long Black Train was recently certified gold, has learned that sales of that CD are up 52% this week alone. Although Josh's career seemed to get a slow start--his first single "She'll Go on You" barely caused a stir at radio--he has been doing well lately. George Hamilton IV and Pete Fisher presented a gold plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) at the Grand Ole Opry® on Saturday, February 7th. 2/12/04

Clark Turns Down Playboy Offer
Terri Clark was recently offered a chance to pose for the cover of the May music issue of Playboy. She turned it down. Her reason? It wouldn't fit in well with her image. Terri's additional comment: "As Playboys go, I've always been more partial to Bob Wills' band." 2/11/04

Gaylord Reports 4th Quarter Earnings
Gaylord Entertainment has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2003. Opry® and Attractions revenues were up 3.6% to $16.1 million in the fourth quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2002. Operating income broke even in the fourth quarter of 2003 compared to an operating loss of $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2002. For more information, click here. 2/11/04

Country Artists Nominated for Dove Awards
The Gospel Music Association has announced the nominees for the 35th Annual Dove Awards, and country artists--particularly traditional country artists--are nominated for a number of awards. Randy Travis was nominated for Artist of the Year, and his hit single "Three Wooden Crosses" was nominated for Song of the Year and Country Recorded Song. His follow-up single, "Pray for the Fish," was also nominated for Country Recorded Song of the Year while his Worship and Faith album was nominated for Country Album. Grand Ole Opry® member George Hamilton IV received a nomination for Bluegrass Recorded Song with "Love Is Free" and a Bluegrass Album nomination for his Blue Ridge Sunday. But the ones who really brought home the nominations were Connie Smith, Sharon White-Skaggs, and Barbara Fairchild. Their song "Walkin' Through the Fire" was nominated for Bluegrass Recorded Song, their songs "Closer to Home" and "Love Never Fails" were nominated for Country Recorded Song, and their album Love Never Fails was nominated for Country Album. Other nominees for various awards included the Gaither Vocal Band, the Crabb Family, Dottie Rambo, and Andy Griffith, whose album The Christmas Guest, produced by Marty Stuart, is nominated for Country Album. This year's Dove Awards will be held at Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Center on Wednesday, April 28th. 2/10/04

Grammy Award Winners
The 46th Annual Grammy Awards were held Sunday, February 8th. The winners in the country genre:

• Female Country Vocal Performance: "Keep on the Sunny Side," June Carter Cash
• Male Country Vocal Performance: "Next Big Thing," Vince Gill
• Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal: "A Simple Life," Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
• Country Collaboration with Vocals: "How's the World Treating You," Alison Krauss and James Taylor
• Country Instrumental Performance: "Cluck Old Hen," Alison Krauss + Union Station
• Country Song: "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett
• Country Album: Livin', Lovin', Losin': The Songs of the Louvin Brothers
• Bluegrass Album: Live, Alison Krauss + Union Station
• Short Form Music Video: "Hurt," Johnny Cash
• Traditional Folk Album: Wildwood Flower, June Carter Cash
• Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album: Rise and Shine, Randy Travis

Obviously, traditional country and bluegrass ruled the night. Alison Krauss, the winner of four awards this year, is now the leading female Grammy winner. According to CMT, she has now eclipsed Aretha Franklin's prior record of 16 Grammys. 2/9/04

SPBGMA Winners
The Grammys weren't the only awards doled out over the weekend; the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America also handed out awards at its annual show. The winners:

• Entertainer: Rhonda Vincent
• Bluegrass Band: Rhonda Vincent & the Rage
• Entertaining Group: IIIrd Tyme Out
• Vocal Group: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
• Instrumental Group: the Del McCoury Band
• Song: "Kentucky Borderline," Rhonda Vincent
• Songwriter(s): Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall
• Album: One Step Ahead, Rhonda Vincent
• Female Vocalist (contemporary): Rhonda Vincent
• Female Vocalist (traditional): Lynn Morris
• Male Vocalist (contemporary): Larry Stephenson
• Male Vocalist (traditional): Dan Tyminski
• Gospel Group (overall): Mountain Heart
• Gospel Group (contemporary): IIIrd Tyme Out
• Gospel Group (traditional): The Lewis Family
• Bass: Missy Raines
• Dobro: Tim Graves
• Guitar: Kenny Smith
• Mandolin: Ronnie McCoury
• Banjo: Sammy Shelor
• Fiddle: Hunter Berry
• Promoter: Deana Stephenson
• Radio Station: WSM-AM, Nashville, Tennessee
• DJ: Eddie Stubbs, WSM-AM, Nashville, Tennessee
• Club Newsletter: Inside Bluegrass, Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association
• Masters Gold Awards
  • Best Contemporary Male Vocalist: Russell Moore
  • Best Traditional Gospel Group: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
  • Best Overall Gospel Group: The Lewis Family
  • Best Promoter: Norman Adams
  • SPBGMA Preservation Hall of Greats: Cliff Waldron

For more information on the 30th Annual SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards, visit SPBGMA's web site. 2/9/04

Randy Owen Ailing
Alabama had to cancel its performance at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo on Saturday, January 7th because singer Randy Owen is suffering from a rare inner ear disorder. Reba McEntire stepped in for the group. 2/9/04

Travis Reading Script for "Three Wooden Crosses"
According to CMT, Randy Travis is reading a movie script based upon his 2003 hit single "Three Wooden Crosses." Travis also revealed that he is currently working on two albums: a country album and a gospel one. 2/9/04

Music Executive Landon Dies
According to CMT, music executive Grelun Landon has passed away. Landon, a former RCA Records executive and the former president of Hill & Range Music, worked with country legends Waylon Jennings, Hank Snow, and Johnny Cash, as well as with Elvis Presley. Landon was 80 years old. 2/6/04

Tracy Byrd Homecoming
The Tracy Byrd Homecoming Weekend will take place March 27th at Lake Sam Rayburn in Jasper, Texas. The weekend's activities will include a bass fishing tournament at the Walter Umphrey Family Pavilion and a golf tournament at the Bayou Din Golf Club in Beaumont on March 28th. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network. 2/4/04

Benefit for Lynn Morris
According to CMT, Alison Krauss + Union Station will play a benefit for bluegrass artist Lynn Morris on Thursday, February 5th at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville. All proceeds from the benefit will be used to help pay for mounting medical bills and therapy for Morris, who suffered a stroke last spring and has been unable to perform since that time. Tom T. Hall and Dixie Hall, Claire Lynch, Missy Raines, and Sharon and Cheryl White will open for Krauss. The show marks the beginning of this year's Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music (SPBGMA) convention. 2/3/04